Not many federal attorney generals make a mark on the public consciousness. This is particularly the case in conservative governments, with attorney generals traditionally taking conformist and largely passive approach to their role, often doing little in the way of law reform or advocacy. As such, they usually remain largely unknown to most Australians outside of legal circles.

After a long legal battle with Japan over its ongoing whaling program, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this week delivered a historic and resounding decision in favour of Australia. The ICJ upheld Australia's arguments that Japan's whaling program in the Southern Ocean is in breach of Japan's international legal obligations, and must be brought to an end.